Terrestrial mammals in the Brazilian Pantanal

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Project title:

Terrestrial mammals in the Brazilian Pantanal: Conservation relevant field research with a focus on giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in an endangered ecosystem of the Neotropics

ZFMK Project lead:

Prof. Dr. Karl-Ludwig Schuchmann

Unit:

Ornithology

Object of research:

Mammals

Description

Camera traps and direct observations help to study terrestrial mammals in the Brazilian Pantanal. The Pantanal is a large tropical wetland and a hotspot for biodiversity in the centre of Southern America. As an important flagship species for this ecosystem, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is of special interest. The species plays an important role for the establishment of eco-tourism as an alternative to the intensification of land use. Nevertheless, there are nearly no studies about ecology and behaviour of giant anteaters. The results of our project will contribute to the establishment of effective conservation measures for the species and its habitat, as giant anteaters are listed as “Vulnerable” on the “Red list of Threatened Species”.

The study is part of the interdisciplinary scientific network CO.BRA (Computational Bioacoustics Research Unit), based at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). The project aims the development of an acoustic monitoring system for bird and mammal species (cobra.ic.ufmt.br).